You're Different and That's Super!

So you probably already know that the One Million Moms are outraged over the fact that Chaz Bono will appear on Dancing With the Stars. 

In their action alert on the subject, they also objected to the fact that openly gay Carson Kressley will also appear on the show and mentioned that he is the author You're Different and That's Super, which they describe as "a children's book promoting the homosexual lifestyle to children". We almost overlooked that little detail, as we were writing our blog about Bono.

A children's book promoting the homosexual lifestyle to children? Are they serious?  

The book, which was published in 2005, tells the story of unicorn trying to find his place in a world full of ponies. Trumpet is a little orphan colt who stands out from the crowd because of his white coat, golden mane and loud whinny. When Trumpet starts to grow a horn, he is ostracized for being different. However, it ends up being his differences that make him super! When the barn catches fire, Trumpet uses his horn to unlatch the bolt on the door and save the other ponies.

It does not "promote the homosexual lifestyle"... rather, it simply sends the message that it's okay to be different! Now of course, Kressley is gay. So it's not unreasonable to assume that he may have been thinking about gay and lesbian kids when he wrote this book, but the book isn't about that. It doesn't tell the story of a gay pony or encourage kids to be gay. It simply sends the message that being different - for whatever reason - is okay and in fact, is what makes you special. 

As proof, we've excerpted a few reviews of the book, to show that this story can appeal to any child who is different in some way

From Amazon.com:

Carson's book is outstanding, especially for any child growing up feeling differently whether from asthma, diabetes, birthmarks, wheelchair bound, maybe a lisp or even that super smart kid or shy kid who is often viewed as strange or weird. Trumpet is a true ambassador for the young person who feels they just don't fit, or think, or feel, the way the other kids appear. Trumpet proves that different can be mighty super! Yay for the vision of Carson Kressley in addressing this valid and important matter. -- J. Warren [emphasis mine]

I was reading this book to my 3 grandchildren, ages 6, 13 and 15. The older child is autistic. I wanted something that would make him feel special even tho he is different. I also wanted the other children to realize how special and different from each other they are. I started asking questions afterwards and they gave me great answers. They got it. They heard what I was saying. I thought the book was a great read. I also happen to really like Carson Kressley. -- Leia1952 [emphasis mine]

From BarnesandNoble.com:

This is the sweetest book -- a friend of mine gave it to her son at Christmastime. He as one arm that never developed properly and this book was not only nice for him, boosting his confidence, but for the other children: teaching them not to treat him poorly just because of his arm. Thank you, Carson!-- Anonymous [emphasis mine]

This isn't going to encourage kids to become gay. It will encourage kids that feel different in some way (or are treated as though they're different for some reason) that there's nothing wrong with that! It's going to teach them about tolerance and acceptance - both of others and of themselves.  (This is basically the book that Maggie Goes On A Diet should have been.)

What parent could possibly be against a book that sends that message? A member of the One Million Moms I guess. We recommend that every other parent reads this book to their kids.